invigorate

[in-vig-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

invigorated, invigorating 

1. to give vigor to; fill with life and energy; energize.

   Synonyms: vitalize, strengthen

invigorate

/ ɪnˈvɪɡəˌreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to give vitality and vigour to; animate; brace; refresh

   to be invigorated by fresh air

Other Word Forms

• invigoration noun
• invigorative adjective
• invigoratively adverb
• invigorator noun
• reinvigorate verb (used with object)
• reinvigoration noun
• uninvigorated adjective
• uninvigorative adjective
• uninvigoratively adverb
• invigoratingly adverb
• invigorating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of invigorate¹

First recorded in 1640–50; in- ² + obsolete vigorate “invigorated”; vigor, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of invigorate¹

C17: from _in- ² + Latin vigor _vigour

Synonym Study

See animate.

Example Sentences

There’s only one returning player, Allyson Tan, but plenty of freshmen and sophomores, which is challenging but invigorating for Kiernan, known as a great teacher of the game.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s through Amélie’s gaze — or, more precisely, how these filmmakers interpret it visually — that we begin to understand her invigorating whimsy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This critic is all for so-called color-blind casting; in addition to promoting employment, it invigorates the work.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She also puts an invigorating spin on the style of the mob documentary, of which there is no shortage and which usually amounts to a tossed salad of clips and talking heads.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

We pushed each other to try things that scared us both, things that left us breathless, bruised and invigorated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• energize 
• enliven 
• excite 
• galvanize 
• quicken 
• reinforce 
• rejuvenate 
• restore 
• revitalize 
• strengthen 
• vitalize 

When To Use

What does invigorate mean?

To invigorate is to fill with energy or a feeling of vitality, renewal, or refreshment.Invigorate is especially used in the context of things that make people feel “alive” or renewed or refreshed physically, mentally, and emotionally. Such a state or feeling can be called vigor, which is at the root of invigorate. A close synonym is vitality. In other words, to invigorate is to fill with vigor.Someone who feels this way can be described with the adjective invigorated, as in I feel really invigorated after that long, restful weekend. Something that invigorates can be described with the adjective invigorating, as in I love an invigorating swim in the ocean. Sometimes, invigorate is applied to things other than people to mean something like stimulate or boost, as in These measures are meant to invigorate the economy. Example: Being out in the sunshine invigorates me and makes me feel alive.